INTRODUCING THE CHILD-LENS INVESTING FRAMEWORK (CLIF)
What is Child-lens Investing?
• Child-lens Investing (CLI) is an approach to sustainable investing where investors intentionally consider child-related factors to advance positive child outcomes while also minimizing child harm.
• It has global, multi-thematic, and multi-asset class applications
• CLI is grounded in a distinct framework – the Child-lens Investing Framework (CLIF) – and supported by public and private equities guidance. CLIF is comprised of:
o Purpose (Vision, Definition)
o Principles (Do no harm, Whole child approach, Identity, and Society)
o Elements (Impact and ESG Strategy, Process, Contribution)
o Taxonomy (Child-screened, Child-inclusive, Child-centered)
Why Child-lens Investing?
• CLI weaves together best practices from the ESG and impact investing ecosystems to form a holistic approach to sustainable investing that honors the diverse conditions needed to facilitate a good childhood
• Investments in children are investments in tomorrow’s workers, consumers, citizens, and decision-makers. Because childhood is a powerful engine of equity, prosperity, and possibility, CLI approaches benefit both children and everyone around them
• The CLI framework recognizes that all investor actions ultimately impact children’s wellbeing – whether intentionally or unintentionally, directly or indirectly.
Building the Case
• Children must be considered as stakeholders in socially responsible investment approaches, given they are not fully captured as economic agents
• Early research shows that what is good for children is good for business. Therefore, in overlooking children, we also are also overlooking a profound investment opportunity
Call to Action
• We call upon investors to make an audacious bet on the well-being of present and future generations by adopting CLI and sharing this approach widely.
• Join us in co-creating the CLIF by sharing feedback, best practices, and lessons learned.
• Support CLI field-building by working hand in hand with us to strengthen the case for CLI, align the CLIF with existing industry frameworks, close market gaps preventing capital from flowing to children, and coordinate efforts with diverse child stakeholders.